by At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru unveiled a series of new products focused on performance and sportiness, moving away from last year’s off-road themes. While many fans hoped for a full-fledged new STI model, the Japanese automaker showed more restrained, yet still interesting prototypes and special editions.
The Return of the Manual Transmission
The main novelty was the WRX STI Sport♯ (pronounced “Sharp”) prototype, which marks the return of the manual transmission to this model for the Japanese market. This version is based on the WRX S4 STI, replacing the CVT with a six-speed manual transmission already well-known to buyers in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
The model is equipped with the familiar turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine, producing the standard 271 hp, not the 296 hp of last year’s limited-edition S210.
The sports sedan also received electronically controlled STI dampers, Brembo brakes with gold calipers, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, and other chassis refinements. The interior features seats with Alcantara, black stitching, and yellow perforations, as well as a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and handbrake lever.
The prototype on the stand also has a front splitter, side skirts, and rear bumper extensions in a pink-red color that matches the STI emblems, four exhaust tips, a diffuser, and a spoiler. However, it lacks a fixed rear wing like other STI special editions. The launch of the WRX STI Sport♯ in Japan is scheduled for spring 2026, and the model will be released in a limited series.
Special Editions in a Bright Color
Subaru also introduced two special editions: the STI Sport R-Black Limited II STI Performance Edition based on the WRX and Levorg. Both models can be painted in a bright new “Sunrise Yellow” shade, although the palette includes other colors as well.
The cars received matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as black-painted grille, side mirror, and roof antenna elements. The interior features Recaro seats with yellow perforated upholstery, black stitching, and Alcantara inserts around the dashboard.
The special editions are already available for order in Japan. The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited II starts from 4,686,000 yen, and the WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited II from 5,302,000 yen.
There are no changes under the hood, but Subaru notes that both cars can be equipped with a range of original STI Performance accessories and parts.
Other Sports News
Another novelty was the Impreza ST-H STI Performance Edition with the Plus package. It is based on the ST-H trim but received STI Performance parts for improved handling and a more aggressive look.
The exterior is distinguished by 17-inch wheels, STI Performance emblems, a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, a spoiler, and a sports exhaust system. The chassis is upgraded with a strut tower bar and a brace, but the powertrains (ICE and hybrid) remain unchanged. Subaru plans to raffle off this customized Impreza among auto show visitors who fill out a questionnaire.
Race and Rally Cars
Subaru also showed three vehicles created specifically for racing. The most important is the debut of an all-new race car for the 2026 Super Taikyu series. It is based on the Impreza hatchback but features redesigned bumpers, wide fenders, a rear wing, and racing wheels.
Subaru has not yet revealed full technical specifications but confirmed that the car will run on carbon-neutral fuel, have high performance, and serve as a testbed for next-generation technologies.
Alongside it, an improved version of the BRZ GT300, prepared for a return to the Super GT championship next season, was presented. Completing the trio is an upgraded rally car, the WRX VBH, tuned for competition in the JN-1 class of the All-Japan Rally Championship.
The models presented at the auto salon clearly demonstrate Subaru’s strategy: to focus on improving existing models with STI sports packages and special editions, rather than developing completely new, full-fledged generations. This allows the brand to maintain enthusiast interest and remain present in racing series, while simultaneously preparing the ground for future technologies like carbon-neutral fuel. Limited series and prototypes seem to be becoming Subaru’s primary way of honoring its STI heritage in the current market reality.
